French High-Speed Train to Begin East Service

France's latest high-speed rail line, TGV Est (East), will begin service June 10 and is expected to change travel patterns within France and beyond.

Traveling at a standard operating speed of nearly 200 mph (320 km/hr), the fastest in Europe, TGV East will reduce travel times between approximately 30 destinations by one-third to one-half, and the frequency of TGV service on these routes will increase 15-20%.

Designed to speed eastward connections from Paris to the regions of Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine and Alsace, the new line also provides direct service between these regions and Ile-de-France, Northern, Western and Southwestern France, as well as to Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

Tickets, reservations and timetables for TGV East service will be available starting April 10 on www.raileurope.com, where you can also find information about train travel throughout France and buy France Railpasses, France Rail 'n Drive Passes, Eurostar tickets, and tour products for Paris, as well as rail travel products throughout Europe -- for individuals or groups.

Call Rail Europe at (888) 382-7245.